Is Walmart Salmon Safe To Eat Raw? Answered

Last Updated on September 15, 2024 by Shari Mason

Curious about *using raw salmon* from Walmart for your homemade sushi or poke bowl? I get it, it’s quite a pickle.

From my own kitchen experiments and thorough research, we’ll explore the safety of eating Walmart’s salmon raw. Is it a shortcut to an easy, delicious meal, or a risk not worth taking? Let’s find out.

Is It Safe To Eat Raw Walmart Salmon? 

You can eat Walmart salmon [1] raw, but with caution.

Raw fish, including salmon, carries inherent risks of bacterial contamination or potential parasites that can pose health concerns. 

“If you are going to wrestle a bear, try to avoid all fish oil products, you know. I mean it’s tough for me, because I love to rub myself with salmon oil every day – it’s a great conditioner for the hair, skin.” –

Will Ferrell, American Actor

To ensure safety, sourcing salmon from reputable suppliers and handling it correctly is vital, following responsible food safety practices.

But do you have to cook raw salmon?

What Quality Standards Does Walmart Follow For Their Salmon?

Walmart is committed to upholding stringent quality standards for all its products, including salmon.

Regarding their salmon, the retail giant works closely with reputable suppliers to ensure the fish meets the highest quality criteria. 

Typically, the salmon is frozen at sea or promptly after capture to preserve its freshness. This process helps maintain the fish’s quality and ensures it reaches customers in optimal condition. 

While not all Walmart salmon may be labeled as sushi-grade, the company takes measures to deliver products that meet safety and quality standards for a wide range of culinary uses. 

Read: Costco Marinated Salmon Cooking Guide

How To Handle Walmart Salmon For Raw Consumption

1. Thawing: If you use frozen Walmart salmon, thaw it safely in the refrigerator. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
2. Cross-Contamination: Prevent cross-contamination [2] by keeping raw salmon away from other foods, especially those that will not be cooked. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and surfaces for preparing the fish.
3. Cleanliness: Maintain impeccable cleanliness in your kitchen. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw salmon, and sanitize all surfaces and utensils that come into contact with the fish. But should you eat store-bought salmon raw?
4. Temperature Control: Keep the salmon safe during preparation and serving. If you are not using it immediately, refrigerate it promptly to prevent bacterial growth.
5. Quality Inspection: Examine the appearance and smell of the salmon to ensure its freshness. Avoid using any fish that appears discolored or has a strong, unpleasant odor.
6. Freezing: If you intend to freeze Walmart salmon for raw consumption, ensure it is frozen immediately after purchase or thawing to maintain its quality.

“Raw culinary pursuits demand discernment. While Walmart strives for quality, the safety of eating their salmon raw lies in responsible handling.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

What Are The Potential Risks Of Eating Walmart Salmon Raw?

1. Bacterial Contamination: Raw salmon, like any other raw fish, can contain harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Vibrio, which can cause foodborne illnesses if not properly handled or cooked.
2. Parasites: Salmon may carry parasites like Anisakis, which can be harmful if ingested. Proper freezing can reduce the risk of parasites but is not eliminated.
3. Foodborne Illness: Consuming raw fish increases the risk of foodborne illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
4. Cross-Contamination: Improper handling of raw salmon can lead to cross-contamination in the kitchen, spreading bacteria to other foods and surfaces.
5. Quality Issues: Eating raw salmon from unknown or unreliable sources may increase the likelihood of consuming fish of poor quality or freshness.
6. Health Hazards: For individuals with certain health conditions or allergies, consuming raw fish can pose additional health risks.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

The safety of consuming Walmart salmon raw requires a thoughtful approach. We advise exercising caution when considering raw fish from any source, including Walmart. 

While Walmart strives to offer high-quality products, the risks associated with eating raw salmon, such as bacterial contamination and parasites, should be considered. 

To minimize these risks, it is essential to handle the fish responsibly, following proper food safety practices. 

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/salmon-nutrition-and-health-benefits
2. https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/foodsafety/clean/xcontamination.html

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Shari Mason

Co-Founder & Senior Writer at Eat Pallet

Hey, I'm Shari! After more than a decade in the restaurant industry, I've decided to share my experience online with you here. Learn more about us here or you can contact me directly [email protected].

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